“The book will appeal to scholars of literature, history, area studies, national

identity, war culture, and anyone interested in understanding Russian,

Chechen, and Post-Soviet society and politics on a deeper level. Clark’s

intention to provide resources for those teaching the Chechen wars addresses

a significant lacuna in the field. The well-written conclusion provides some

broad and provocative takeaways about contemporary Russian culture and

politics that might spark discussion. The monograph contributes beyond Slavic

Studies to trauma and literature studies.”

— Adrienne M. Harris, SEER

“Elena Pedigo Clark’s Trauma and Truth is a welcome contribution to critical pedagogy in Russian literary and cultural studies… Trauma and Truth offers readers both critical insight into the contemporary literature and journalistic writing that emerged from the modern wars in Chechnya, as well as an embedded, carefully crafted model course on literature and the trauma of war. There is a deep symbiosis between these two constituent parts that resist hierarchy: Is it a volume of teaching-informed scholarship, or an example of researched-informed pedagogy? It is both… The volume’s empathetic approach to the “War is Hell” message of all four authors can and should be included in almost any course on contemporary Russian literature and culture designed for the current generation of students.”

— Thomas Jesús Garza, The Russian Review